HALIFAX – The town of Halifax has experienced a remarkable journey through its municipal leadership over the past few years, moving from a period of abrupt resignations and a "one-man band" Select Board to a more stable, forward-thinking administration. This transformation is highlighted as the town now prepares for the departures of Town Administrator Cody Haddad and Select Board Chair John Bruno, both credited with ushering in an era of renewed stability.
The Storm of 2022: A Town in Crisis
The seeds of municipal instability in Halifax were sown in the summer of 2022, largely triggered by a proposed renovation to a cranberry bog by Morse Brothers. Residents vehemently opposed the project, fearing it would overwhelm their neighborhood, damage roads, endanger children, contaminate water supplies, and decrease property values. Some even made unsubstantiated claims that it was a coverup for a strip mine. The backlash became so intense that it ruptured civic life, creating an "increasingly confrontational, uncompromising tone" in the town.
The crisis escalated on August 25, 2022, when three key town officials resigned in a single meeting. Town Administrator Marty Golightly was the first to tender his resignation that morning, stating it "wasn't the right fit" after weeks of harsh criticism over the cranberry bog project. Golightly had only been appointed to his four-year position in mid-July, following the departure of long time Town Administrator Charlie Seelig.
At an emergency meeting convened later that day, then-chair Ashley DiSesa announced Golightly's resignation, apologizing for the town being "very toxic" due to how he had been treated by residents and some town employees. DiSesa herself then tendered her resignation, effective within the hour, revealing she had "weathered the storm of misogyny, sexual harassment, underestimation, and doubts about [her] abilities" from a "select group of loud-mouth residents". Selectman Alexander Meade followed suit, stating he had been threatened, verbally attacked, and had lies and rumors about his private life thrust into the public spotlight. Meade even recalled needing to use an alternate exit from a public meeting to evade an angry crowd. This emergency meeting lasted only about four minutes.
Jonathan Selig: The One-Man Select Board
With these abrupt departures, Jonathan Selig, who had just been elected to the Select Board in May 2022, was left as the sole selectman, effectively running the town of nearly 8,000 residents by himself in late August 2022. Selig admitted it was "a little strange," but he was "starting to get the hang of being a one-man band". He conducted biweekly meetings solo, even motioning and seconding his own proposals.
During this unprecedented period, the town accountant, Sandra Nolan, stepped into the role of interim acting Town Administrator on a volunteer basis, a duty she took on out of necessity for the town. The remaining town government, including paid administrators, focused on essential "rubber-stamp items" like paying bills, filling payroll, and "making sure the lights stay on". Selig managed to appoint two new members to the Beautification Committee and saw two new police officers cleared to join the Halifax Police Department, though he preferred not to swear them in alone. Police Chief Joao Chaves noted that while staffing was difficult, the new officers were not urgently needed. Selig confirmed that the board, even with one member, could function, pay bills, and provide services, thanks to legal counsel ensuring proper procedures were followed.
Rebuilding and the Rise of Stability
The "one-man band" period culminated with a special election held on November 8, 2022, coinciding with the state's election, to fill the two vacant Selectman seats. John Bruno, a familiar figure in Halifax who had served as a selectman for 15 years and town moderator for nearly a decade, ran unopposed for the term ending in 2025. Naja Nessralla won the seat for the term expiring in 2024.
On November 9, 2022, the Select Board met with a full complement of three members for the first time in 76 days. John Bruno was voted Chair, and Jonathan Selig as Vice Chair. There was a palpable sense of relief and gratitude, with Bruno leading a standing ovation for Selig, Nolan, and other town staff for their dedication during the crisis.
The newly re-formed board then prioritized finding a new Town Administrator. A Search Committee, chaired by Town Clerk Sue Lawless and including key municipal employees and citizens-at-large, was formed. Community Paradigm Associates, LLC, a highly regarded firm, was hired to aid in the search.
The Haddad Era: Charting a New Course
In November 2022, the Selectmen unanimously voted to hire Cody Haddad, then the Assistant Town Administrator in Dartmouth, as the new Town Administrator. Haddad, recognizing Halifax's recent instability, expressed a desire to put down roots and hoped to stay for "twenty plus years". He quickly brought about significant positive changes, now praised for his ability to move the town "from putting out fires in the now to thinking down the road".
Selectman Thomas Pratt, finishing his first year on the Board, lauded Haddad, saying he "never had another town administrator besides Cody" and that "anyone you talk to in town... has nothing but glowing things to say".
New Departures, Familiar Resolve
Despite the positive momentum, Halifax is now facing another leadership transition. Cody Haddad announced his resignation on April 29, 2025, effective at the end of July. He described it as a "personal decision" best for him and his family, as he plans to return to Dartmouth as Town Administrator. Although his tenure was about two years, Haddad's colleagues praised his significant impact, with Selig calling him a "shining star" who "rescued the town". Haddad assured the board he remains committed to assisting with the transition.
Concurrently, Select Board Chair John Bruno decided to retire and not seek another term, attending his last regular meeting on April 29, 2025. Bruno, who famously "came back and provided the stability that the town needed" during its period of instability, was thanked for his unparalleled service and for "rescuing the town".
To manage the transition, the Halifax Board of Selectmen unanimously appointed Robert Fennessy as Interim Town Administrator on July 1, 2025. Fennessy brings over 40 years of municipal government and law enforcement experience, having served as Town Administrator in Carver and Kingston, and expressed readiness to quickly get up to speed. He is interested only in the interim role, ensuring continuity while a permanent replacement is sought.
While the town continues to grapple with challenges such as the MBTA Communities Act, which mandates certain zoning changes and which the town formally opposes, and rising education costs that may necessitate a future Proposition 2.5 override, the current transitions appear markedly different from the abrupt departures of 2022. The town is now operating with a clear plan, a supportive board, and a demonstrated ability to attract experienced interim leadership.
And Jonathan Selig is chairing the meetings once again, this time with two other members of the board.
Sources for this story came from Area 58, the Plympton-Halifax Express, the Boston Globe, WATD, and South Shore News.
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